A panel interview is often the final step in the recruitment process for a top job. You’ve probably had an interview with the human resources executive and with your prospective boss. Now a broader range of executives is keen to make a final assessment of what makes you tick and whether you are right for the position.

You can benefit from a panel interview too, since you’ll have an opportunity to gain an insight into the company’s culture and personality. The first step is to understand that all the work you’ve done in preparing for your one-on-one interviews will come into play here. If you’ve prepared thoroughly so far, you’re well on your way.

Here are five tips from Sandra Burmeister, CEO, Landelahni Recruitment Group, for making sure the panel interview isn’t a nerve-wracking experience.

ONE: Be over-prepared

Do your research. Find out what you can about the company in advance: its business, its philosophy and its customers. It’s not enough simply to look at the company website; search the business pages of online newspapers as well. Also check the company’s profile on social networking sites like Facebook and Linked-In.

Find out, if you can, who will be on the panel and what their names and responsibilities are. This will help you address each person by name and give you some insight into what questions they are likely to ask. Practice the panel interview with a few friends who are in similar jobs and, if possible, video the session to review your body language, comments and communication style.

Even if the recruitment agency or company says it’s unnecessary, prepare enough copies of your CV and, for marketing and related jobs, your portfolio. It’s a good way to impress the interviewers with your professionalism.

TWO: Make a strong start

Dressing and looking the part is critical for success in a panel interview. Dress professionally and err on the side of under-statement – unless you’re interviewing for a position with an ad agency!

Take a few deep breaths and enter the interview room with energy and enthusiasm. An open expression and engaging demeanour are important. The panel will form its first impression of you within seconds, and those impressions tend to stick. Show with your positive energy that you are ready to tackle challenges and make a fast start on the job.

If possible, greet each panel member with a firm handshake, while smiling and making eye contact. Continue to make eye contact with each member of the panel from time-to-time – do not look at a spot on the wall or over their heads. Answer questions by directly addressing the person asking it. Where possible, use the person’s name. Speak clearly and answer questions fully. Elaborate, rather than giving ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answers.

THREE: Have facts at your fingertips

Have all aspects of your CV and portfolio at your fingertips, so you can quickly refer to details no matter what questions are asked. Think through aspects that may not be clear from your CV. You may be asked to give examples of how you behaved in certain situations, and how you handled projects or crises.

A panel interview often indicates that the company culture is one of teamwork. Recall examples of your success as a team member or leader in your previous jobs. Prepare for answers to common questions, like your strengths and weaknesses. Provide examples of experiences where you achieved a positive result, even in the face of a challenge. The point is to show the value you bring to the company, not what you expect from them in terms of remuneration.

If you don’t know how to respond to a question, take a moment to compose you thoughts so that you don’t rush into an inappropriate answer or sound flustered, and never be negative about current or former colleagues.

FOUR: Key questions to ask

Be ready with two or three questions you have about the company and the position. This will help convince the interviewers that you are really interested in the position and also help them in deciding if it’s right for you. Key questions include:

FIVE: End positively

A crisp end to the interview is important. Don’t let the interview peter out. The last impression you leave with the panel is likely to be a lasting one. If the situation allows for it, shake each panel member by hand and thank each by name for his time.

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